On Friday, December 13, 2024, the Minister of Social Affairs, Mr. Issam El Ahmar, presided over the opening of the scientific forum on « Inclusion & Excellence for an Inclusive Society and Accessible Institutions », held at the International Center for the Promotion of Persons with Disabilities in Gammarth.
This high-level forum was jointly organized by the Center in collaboration with HandiSuccess International, and brought together the General Director of the Center, the founder of HandiSuccess International, and several presidents of bilateral chambers of commerce.
🔍 A Strong National Commitment to Disability Inclusion
In his keynote speech, Minister El Ahmar reaffirmed Tunisia’s strong commitment to promoting the socio-economic inclusion of persons with disabilities in both the public and private sectors. This effort reflects the country’s responsibility to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities and its adherence to international treaties on disability inclusion.
He emphasized that these commitments aim to guarantee equal access to education, health, employment, and full societal participation for persons with disabilities.
In alignment with Article 54 of the Tunisian Constitution (July 25, 2022), which mandates the State to protect persons with disabilities from all forms of discrimination and to ensure their full integration into society, the Minister presented the key strategies and national policies currently being implemented:
✅ National Measures Highlighted by the Minister:
Enforcing the 2% employment quota for persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors.
Developing economic and social integration programs to promote self-employment opportunities.
Launching a public recruitment campaign for persons with disabilities on November 20, 2024.
Supporting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all vocational training pathways.
Enhancing compliance monitoring for disability employment in public and private institutions.
Establishing a special credit line of 5 million TND under the National Employment Fund, providing interest-free loans (up to 10,000 TND) to persons with disabilities to fund initiatives in various economic sectors, as outlined in the 2025 Finance Law.
Reviewing the tax system on adapted vehicles for persons with disabilities to improve accessibility and mobility.
🎓 Scientific Insights and Inspiring Journeys
The forum’s agenda featured insightful presentations by experts and senior officials from the Ministry of Social Affairs, who addressed the key challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing the labor market. Discussions also included strategic proposals for overcoming these barriers.
One of the most moving moments of the event was the sharing of success stories by individuals with disabilities who have overcome adversity and built inspiring professional careers.
🤝 HandiSuccess International: A Committed Partner for Inclusion
This forum is part of a broader mission led by HandiSuccess International, aimed at empowering persons with disabilities through training, entrepreneurship, and access to inclusive professional opportunities.
Our collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the International Center for the Promotion of Persons with Disabilities reinforces our shared belief that inclusion is not a privilege — it is a right.
